Tacrolimus Ointment 0.03% for Treatment of Refractory Childhood Phlyctenular Keratoconjunctivitis

PURPOSE: To report 2 cases of refractory phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis treated with topical tacrolimus 0.03% ointment (Protopic). METHODS: Two white children, aged 5 years and 6 years, respectively, presented with refractory phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis in 1 eye (left). Both were using corticosteroids and oral erythromycin at presentation with no relief. Examination revealed the presence of catarrhal corneal infiltrates and neovascularization associated with corneal thinning. Topical tacrolimus was added to topical steroids and oral erythromycin twice daily. RESULTS: Topical tacrolimus 0.03% ointment was applied into the lower fornix twice a day. In both the patients, improvement in symptoms and signs started within a week of therapy. After 3 weeks of treatment, both patients showed complete resolution of corneal infiltrates and neovascularization. Tacrolimus was successfully tapered in both the patients. There were no side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Topical tacrolimus 0.03% ointment may be considered in treating severe refractory phlyctenular conjunctivitis.